The traditional annual Loony Dook has been cancelled - but you just still enjoy a dip in or around Edinburgh.The traditional annual Loony Dook has been cancelled - but you just still enjoy a dip in or around Edinburgh.
The traditional annual Loony Dook has been cancelled - but you just still enjoy a dip in or around Edinburgh.

Loony Dook Alternatives 2023: Here are 10 wild swimming spots near Edinburgh pefect for a chilly New Year's Day dip

While the best known organised wild swim has been cancelled this year, there are still plenty of options for those looking to take the plunge.
By David Hepburn
Published 29th Dec 2022, 11:55 BST
Updated 29th Dec 2022, 15:20 BST

In November it was announced that the annual New Year’s Day Loony Dook in South Queensferry was not taking place in 2023.

The event regularly attracted over one thousand people who would wear fancy dress to parade through the streets of the town before braving the icy waters of the Firth of Forth.

But despite there being no organised swim this year, there’s nothing to prevent you from starting the year with a chilly dip – with plenty of options in and around Edinburgh.

It goes without saying that you should make sure that the waters are safe before entering, and it’s always best to have company.

Here are 10 spots for a bracing swim.

But despite there being no organised swim this year, there’s nothing to prevent you from starting the year with a chilly dip – with plenty of options in and around Edinburgh.

There may not be an official Loony Dook at South Queensferry this year, but you can be sure that plenty of swimmers will still take to the sea - whilst enjoying the majestic views over the Forth Bridges.

5. South Queensferry

There may not be an official Loony Dook at South Queensferry this year, but you can be sure that plenty of swimmers will still take to the sea - whilst enjoying the majestic views over the Forth Bridges. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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A short journey over the Firth of Forth from Edinburgh takes you to the nuerous beaches of Fife - many of which are perfect for a winter dip. Just 50 minutes from the city centre of Scotland's capital, Aberdour Beach has blue flag status. In summer there are lifeguards and toilets, but even in winter you're only a short walk from the town centre and its facilities (including a pub to warm up in).

6. Aberdour Beach

A short journey over the Firth of Forth from Edinburgh takes you to the nuerous beaches of Fife - many of which are perfect for a winter dip. Just 50 minutes from the city centre of Scotland's capital, Aberdour Beach has blue flag status. In summer there are lifeguards and toilets, but even in winter you're only a short walk from the town centre and its facilities (including a pub to warm up in). Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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A slightly longer journey up the Fife Coast takes you to the pretty village of Elie. The beach here is one of the best in Scotland and is very safe for swimming. For the adventurous it's possible to jump into the waves from the harbour wall at high tide.

7. Elie Beach

A slightly longer journey up the Fife Coast takes you to the pretty village of Elie. The beach here is one of the best in Scotland and is very safe for swimming. For the adventurous it's possible to jump into the waves from the harbour wall at high tide. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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East of Edinburgh, East Lothian also offers a range of options for outdoor swimming. Just 20 miles from the city, Gullane Beach is a fine crescent of sand perfect for a paddle. It's also popular with watersports enthusiasts - so make sure you steer clear of the windsurfers.

8. Gullane Beach

East of Edinburgh, East Lothian also offers a range of options for outdoor swimming. Just 20 miles from the city, Gullane Beach is a fine crescent of sand perfect for a paddle. It's also popular with watersports enthusiasts - so make sure you steer clear of the windsurfers. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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